Q. Why is the Virgin Mary called “the Blessed Virgin Mary” instead of ”the St. Virgin Mary”? Isn’t the rank of blessed below that of a saint?

A. Here’s a reply from TCA columnist Father Ray Ryland, Ph.D., J.D:

The use of the term “Blessed” does not apply to canonical rank. The Virgin Mary is the greatest of all the saints. Can you think of another saint who is also called “Blessed”? The Church’s referring to her as “Blessed” further emphasizes her exalted status in the history of salvation. This is also the reason for the Church’s speaking of her as our “Blessed Mother.” In its importance for our lives, the Virgin’s motherhood far surpasses that of all human motherhood.

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